The (Not So) Damn Yankees

by jscape2000 on Aug 16, 2009 10:54 AM EDT in New York Yankees News

George Steinbrenner was quietly among the most charitable owners in sports. From his attention to the selfless acts of young people, to putting a former bat boy through college, Steinbrenner seemed as quick to throw money around to help people as he was quick to fire a manager.

The Hank and Hal Yankees have gone one up on the old man. From Hope Week a couple weeks ago (and if you missed this article on Camp Sundown, read it now), to Richard Sandomir's report today about how a New York based charity is putting those unsold Stadium hot dogs to better use:

Over the years, Mandelbaum [the charity founder] has arranged the recovery of food after the performances of 160 bands... Since 2002, his group has added 31 sports teams — including the Yankees, the Mets, the Jets, the Giants, the Nets, the Knicks, the Rangers, and the Devils — and their concessionaires.

I'm glad to see the Yanks doing all they can to be the local heroes they've claimed to be for so long. It's not quite pride; it's more satisfaction to know the right thing is being done as it should be. I know it's not going to cut down the vitriol from our opponents, but maybe we'll earn some grudging respect.

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The yankees...

Love my yankees and they haved done very good thinks for individual communities throughout my beloved state….but truth be told in this particular case…they should have been doing this 85 years ago…but i guess better late then never…

by NYYWinsRings26 on Aug 16, 2009 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Yep, that’s why it’s not quite pride. But it’s being responsible citizens.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Aug 16, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Virginia Tech

One of the best charitable acts the Yanks have done in recent years was to have played at Virginia Tech the season after the terrible mass murder by a student. Mr. Steinbrenner also deserves commendation for bringing Tyson Ronan to sing the entire “God Bless America” after the 9/11 tragedy. Bobby Brown became President of the American League as well as a doctor. Doc Medich once saw a heart attack on the mound and helped a fan survive. Bobby Richardson was an especially solid citizen. So is Mariano Rivera today. Joe DiMaggio’s old sign starts with “I Thank God …” While there also has been plenty of alcohol and other excess, there is a strain in Yankee history for which we all should give thanks.

by logiet on Aug 16, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions